Despite a respectable start for the B.C. Lions (2-1), a cold war has developed between the head coach and a key player.

Antonio Warren, once one of Wally Buono’s favourites, has been complaining about not getting the ball as much as he’d like. Buono, arguably the CFL’s best head coach, has little tolerance for players’ criticisms and is angry at Warren. He has warned the running back that he’d better shut up — or else. Buono also has suggested to the Lions that Warren would be piling up big numbers on the ground if, when he has been given the ball, he took advantage of holes created for him by B.C.’s offensive line.

So, with the departure of Casey Printers to the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, gone is the Lions’ quarterback controversy. Replacing it, I guess, is a good, old-fashioned feud between star running back and coach.

This could turn uglier.

• Led by former B.C. linebacker Barrin Simpson, signed as a free agent, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-1) are a significantly improved team and undoubtedly for real again.

Understandably, rookie head coach Doug Berry is elated, although he may be losing his perspective. Asked whether he’s satisfied with his lineup, Berry said: “No, we’re still looking. It’s early in the season. We haven’t finalized who we’re going to the Grey Cup with yet.”

• Did the Raptors make a strategical error by not trading their first overall choice in the NBA draft last week?

It all depends on whether you think Brevin Knight is a better point guard than T.J. Ford.

I’m told the Charlotte Bobcats offered Toronto their third overall choice plus Knight for the Raptors’ first pick. And I’m told the Raps rejected the offer, even though they were assured their No. 1 pick,

Andrea Bargnani, still would have been available in that third spot. The Bobcats vowed not to take Bargnani, I’m told, and the No. 2 choosers, the Chicago Bulls, also weren’t interested in him.

So then, after the draft, the Raptors traded Charlie Villanueva to Milwaukee for Ford, who’s less experienced than Knight.

• Canadian Ryan Dempster is struggling as the Cubs’ closer, blowing saves and losing games, and Chicago is hoping to trade him. Canadian Justin Morneau, on the other hand, is excelling as Minnesota’s first baseman, near the top of the AL in power categories and entrenched on the Twins’ untouchable list.